Jones hints Romo could see reps down the stretch

A sensational rookie season from Dak Prescott has relegated Tony Romo to a mentor role since his return from injury.

Prescott is further solidifying himself as a high-level starter with every passing week, leading a Dallas Cowboys team that sits atop the NFL with an 11-1 record, but his veteran counterpart hasn't become a complete afterthought.

With backups always a mere play away from being forced into action, there's always the chance that Romo could hear his number called at some point during Dallas' pursuit of a Super Bowl title.

Owner Jerry Jones hinted Tuesday in an appearance on 105.3 The Fan that the team could get him some snaps toward the end of the season in preparation for such a scenario.

"I want to do what gives us the best chance to have Tony contribute to a championship," Jones said, according to Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News. "I do want Tony to be ready to go in case that Dak should have an issue, health wise. That gives us strength going into the playoffs. Not from the standpoint of necessarily protecting Dak ... but from the standpoint of having Tony the readiest to come in and play, would be my quick assessment."

A perennial Pro Bowler waiting in the wings at the most important position on the field gives the Cowboys a depth advantage over every other playoff team.

Romo's chances of making an impact if forced into action would depend largely on his ability to shake off any rust, though, so it's sensible for Dallas to get him into a few games if the Cowboys can lock up home-field advantage.

The 36-year-old hasn't played in a regular-season contest since Week 12 of a 2015 campaign where injuries limited him to a total of four starts.

Prescott has been under center for all 12 games since joining the Cowboys as a fourth-round pick in this year's draft, completing 67.9 percent of his passes for 2,974 yards, 19 touchdowns, and two interceptions.